5 Takeaways: Curie vs Kenwood

Kenwood traveled to Curie on Thursday night for a Chicago Public League battle of two of the best programs in the conference. It was a tight game in the first quarter as Curie held a four point lead after the first stanza. Things blew wide open in the second quarter as Curie started to use their depth and pushed the lead to 36-19 after the half. They won going away in the second half 65-41. Here are our 5: Takeaways: Curie vs Kenwood breaking down the contest!

Marquise Walker and Maurice Commander Played Like Top 20 Players

Curie is led by their veteran backcourt. UT-Chattanooga commit Maurice Commander set the tone early in this game for Curie with his shooting from the perimeter. Drilled a trio of threes with his sweet lefty shot. The point guard is a great leader on the floor and plays within himself not forcing anything. Still coming back from a hand injury that sidelined him early in the season. Getting closer to the Commander we saw during the summer. He had 13 points. His running mate Marquise Walker was known coming over from St. Joe’s as a ball dominant lead guard that played too much one on one. That was the scouting report on him coming into the season. Some of those thoughts are starting to change. I was impressed with how he played in this game. He did take some unforced shots from beyond the arc, but it wasn’t nearly as many as he used too. Knocked down a three and a mid-range pull up. The part that made the biggest impact was his passing. He was excellent passing in the lane and getting other teammates involved with smart simple passes off dribble penetration. Made consistently solid decisions throughout the game. He had 7 points, but his impact was much bigger than that.

Martin Brothers Great Fits for Tennessee State

Tyree Martin and Treavon Martin made noise last week with their commitment to Tennessee State. They jumped on an opportunity at the level that fits them and a coach that will develop them. What they bring to the table defensively will translate from day one. They were both exceptional on the glass in this game snatching rebounds in traffic and starting the break. Rim protectors as well defensively with their length and timing. Their best offense is getting on the glass for put backs. Very active bigs that are stars in their roles for Curie. Tyree was a force on the offensive glass finishing with 14 points. Treavon only had 4 points, but double digit boards.

Curie Depth on Bench

Everyone talks about the star players for Curie, but what could ultimately help this team make a deep run in March is the depth that they have. Very few teams in Chicago or the rest of the state have the firepower coming off the bench that they have. That was evident in this game by the play of top 15 2019 prospect Dajuan Gordon. The athletic and rangy 6’4” wing is explosive attacking the hoop, cleans up the class, has a clean looking shot, and gets after it on defense. Another potential standout in the future off their bench is sophomore Ramean Hinton. The sophomore is a physical 2020 guard that plays well in transition and rebounds. Will see his role expand over the next two seasons.

Top 20 2020 Seryee Lewis Returns

The real bright spot for Kenwood was the play of their 6’7” power forward Seryee Lewis. The top 20 2020 prospect sat out the first half of the season after his transfer from Marist. Lewis made a huge impact in this game. He showed off his athleticism around the hoop high pointing several rebounds and getting a nice block. Quick and bouncy around the hoop and on the glass. He also has some skill as well. Drilled a face up 15 foot jumper and looked comfortable at the line shooting. Displayed a hook shot and ran the floor well. Lewis had 11 points. D1 prospect that is going to be a huge piece for Kenwood not only the rest of this season, but in years to come.

Unsigned Senior Naseer Turner Solid in Loss

Rangy 6’5” Kenwood senior small forward Naseer Turner has quietly put together a really nice season. We wrote about him and his recruitment in a feature story yesterday. He wasn’t unbelievable in this one, but showed some of the intriguing tools he presents at the next level. Athletic forward that can play the three and maybe some small ball four in the right lineups at the next level. Finishes well around the hoop with reverse layups and quick conversions. Isn’t afraid to get fouled and go to the line. Active rebounder. Drilled a 15 foot baseline jumper. Turner had 12 points. Getting looks from D2 and low-major schools.